Arbor Day celebrates Ritzville as a Tree City

On Arbor Day, April 9, the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recognized 84 cities that have been chosen as a Tree City USA. Among those listed is Ritzville, who has been a designated Tree City for four years. DNR recognizes cities that earn the Tree City USA title for their efforts in keeping urban forests healthy and vibrant.

Planting the right trees in the right places conserves energy and reduces your energy bills, while helping to fight climate change. Properly placed trees save energy by providing summer shade, winter warmth, and seasonal windbreaks. Trees also provide many environmental services such as contributing to cool and clean water.

To be acknowledged as a Tree City USA by the Arbor Day Foundation, a city needs to have either a tree board or a city department that is responsible for tree care and management (or both), establish a tree ordinance, spend at least $2 per capita on tree care, and celebrate Arbor Day.

To learn how to properly plant and care for new trees, visit the International Society of Arboriculture website at http://www.treesaregood.com.